What
have you learned from participating
in extracurricular activities?

What
motivates you to put forth your
greatest effort?

Which
is more important to you, the money
or the type of job?

In
what ways do you think you can
make a contribution to this company?

Do
you have any questions?

Illegal
Questions

Occasionally
interviewers ask an illegal question. This is a question that
does not pertain to the nature of the job or your ability to do
that job. Most often this question is not asked of every applicant,
but may still be used in making a hiring decision. You do not
have to answer an illegal question, but you can if you feel comfortable
doing so.

For
more information on interviewing or a complete list of illegal
questions and suggested replies, visit the Career Services library.
For interviewing practice, sign up for a mock interview with
a career counselor.

Questions
You Might Want to Ask

You
should always have two or three questions in mind to ask the
interviewer. This will show him/her that you are enthusiastic
about the company. It will also give you a clearer picture of
what the company is all about.
What
is an example of a typical career path, beginning with this
position?

What
type of person succeeds in this position? Company?

What are the most important responsibilities of the position?

What
are the company’s strengths? Weaknesses?

What
are the company’s long term growth plans?

What
type of feedback can I expect?

What
kind of training can I expect?

What
would be my initial duties and responsibilities?

How
many entry-level positions do you normally fill each
year?

What
is the turnover rate among company personnel? Why?

Why
is this position open?

What
is your management style (if talking with your
manager to be)?

What
would a normal working day be like in this
position?

Will
I be expected to resolve issues independently,
or will there be an opportunity to consult
with others?

How
are new ideas sought? Acted upon? Rewarded?

Is
it possible to transfer from one division
and/or location to another?

What
exactly will I be expected to accomplish in the next
year?

Will
there be opportunities for advancement?

What
do you feel are my strengths and weaknesses
for the job?

Important Advice

Bring several copies of your resume and your references
in a plain folder.

Expect to spend some time building rapport because personal
chemistry is a main ingredient in the hiring process. Try
to get comfortable
with the interviewer. Being comfortable will help the rest of the interview
go well.

Don’t interrupt the employer.

Pay attention to the timing of your answers. Use silence
and intentional pauses to your advantage. Time is occasionally
needed to think and reflect.

NEVER slight a former employer, colleague,
teacher or institution. The employer may assume that you
will someday do the same
to him/her.

If you catch yourself making an error or contradiction,
correct yourself.

BE YOURSELF! You don’t want to get hired on the basis of
something you are not. You want to be hired for who you are.